Derrimut schools in spotlight

The need for a secondary school in Derrimut will be investigated by Brimbank council.

Cr Lucinda Congreve has called for a council report on what she says has been “a hot topic for a very, very, long time”.

“It’s something I’m constantly stopped and asked about and comes up regularly at community consultation meetings,” she said.

“Some numbers suggest there’s not the population in Derrimut to warrant a high school, but other numbers tell you otherwise.

“At the moment Derrimut has two primary schools … if you consider Derrimut as part of the wider Derrimut and Deer Park area, there’s five primary schools supporting 2000 students.”

Cr Congreve said the only high schools in the area are VU in Deer Park and St Albans Secondary College. She said parents wanted more options.

“Secondary school paves the way to university and the future.

“Parents want options when it comes to this.”

Cr Congreve said it was vital the council received concrete figures before deciding on action.

She has asked for a council officer to compile a report on the secondary school needs in the

suburb. The report, which will be tabled at the August meeting, will form the basis of the council’s next move.

Present options include advocating for a new secondary school and also improving access to existing schools in the area.

“It’s really, really difficult for people in the area to get to these schools,” Cr Congreve said.

“Public transport is a concern.”